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Public SafetyPharr father convicted in death of 2-month-old son, sentencing reset
Miguel Ortiz Jr., a resident of Pharr, was found guilty of injury to a child by omission in the death of his 2-month-old son. A Hidalgo County jury recommended a 30-year sentence, which was initially scheduled for June 11 but has now been reset to June 17. Ortiz was arrested in June 2024, along with the child's mother, Karina Ramirez, after the baby was discovered dead in their home on East Sam Houston Boulevard. An autopsy revealed multiple injuries and signs of decomposition. Both parents had an active case with Child Protective Services at the time of the incident.
SportsMexico launches its 2026 World Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over South Africa
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez helped Mexico make an exuberant start to the World Cup on Thursday, scoring a goal each in a 2-0 win over South Africa in the opening match of the tournament. With a capacity crowd of 80,824 watching at the iconic Azteca Stadium, co-host Mexico started the
EducationSTC CDL Program Rolls Out OSHA 10, Hazmat Training This Summer
Starting July 1, South Texas College's Commercial Truck License Institute will launch an 18-hour training program that includes OSHA 10 instruction and hazardous materials endorsement preparation. The program aims to enhance workplace safety knowledge for commercial drivers in the transportation, logistics, and industrial sectors. Classes will be held on Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout July and August, featuring 10 hours of OSHA coursework and eight hours of Hazmat training. This initiative is open to current CDL holders and those looking to expand their professional credentials, emphasizing the importance of safety in handling hazardous materials.
NationalDOJ Sues New Mexico Supreme Court Over Military Rights Violation
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against the New Mexico Supreme Court and the New Mexico Board of Bar Examiners for allegedly violating the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). The lawsuit claims that these bodies refused to recognize the out-of-state law licenses of servicemembers and their spouses, which is mandated by the SCRA. A specific case involves a military spouse who was denied the opportunity to practice law in New Mexico after relocating due to military orders. The DOJ emphasizes that this issue affects many military families and their employment opportunities.
Public SafetyMan Illegally in U.S. Sentenced to More than 16 Years for Social Media Child Exploitation
Erasmo Alexandro Rodriguez-Estrada, a 24-year-old Mexican national, has been sentenced to 188 months in federal prison for producing child pornography. He pleaded guilty on December 2, 2025, and the court considered the psychological harm inflicted on the victim during sentencing. Rodriguez-Estrada, who was illegally residing in Laredo after being previously removed from the U.S. in December 2024, will also have to register as a sex offender and comply with restrictions on accessing children and the internet. Following his prison term, he faces deportation proceedings. The case was part of Project Safe Childhood, aimed at combating child exploitation.
Public SafetyPharr man sentenced to 30 years in connection with infant's death
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Pharr man was sentenced to 30 years in state prison on Tuesday in connection with the death of his 2-month-old infant, according to Hidalgo County court records. Miguel Ortiz, 38, of Pharr, was indicted on charges of capital murder of a person under 10, felony murder, two counts of injury
Public SafetyRemains of Nancy Guthrie May Be in Mexico, According to Anonymous Tips
NOGALES - The remains of Nancy Guthrie could be located in the Nogales area, south of the border between Mexico and the United States. The Colectivo Buscando Corazones de Nogales received two anonymous calls that allegedly reveal the whereabouts in Sonora of Savannah Guthrie's mother, according to information from NBC. Nancy Guthrie was 84 years old when she disappeared from her home in Tucson at the end of January. In the past month, Buscando Corazones has conducted two searches in the Mariposa area, northwest of Nogales, explained Raymona Guadalupe Ayala Ortiz, a member of the group, to NBC.
Public SafetyCEO and Others Convicted in Wastewater Test Falsification Scheme
Derek McCoy, 52, former CEO of a wastewater testing laboratory, along with Deena Higginbotham, 56, and John Montgomery, 60, have pleaded guilty to falsifying wastewater test results. The trio, from Spring and Llano, manipulated data to misrepresent compliance with pollutant limits set by state discharge permits over a three-year period. Their actions violated the Clean Water Act and were reported to the EPA and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. They face up to two years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000, with sentencing scheduled for September 3, 2026.
WeatherState Emergency Response Resources Activated Ahead of Flood Threat
Governor Greg Abbott has activated state emergency response resources through the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) in anticipation of severe weather and flash flooding across Texas this weekend. The National Weather Service warns of thunderstorms and potential flash flooding, particularly in North and Northwest Texas, shifting eastward. Resources deployed include swiftwater rescue teams, incident management personnel, and monitoring units from various state departments. Texans are advised to prepare emergency plans, monitor local forecasts, and stay informed about road conditions and weather updates through official channels.
HealthMen's Health Awareness Month: Experts highlight common health issues faced by Valley men
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — June is Men's Health Awareness Month, and local health specialists are offering prevention strategies and proactive steps for a healthier lifestyle. Dr. Benjamin Fano, MD, at South Texas Health System McAllen, said the most common health problems men face in the Rio Grande Valley are diabetes, high blood pressure, being overweight, and
WeatherEl Niño has officially arrived, and it could be of great intensity
Prepare for intense heat, drought, and some flooding: the National Weather Service (NWS) announced on Thursday that the El Niño season has officially begun. This episode of El Niño could rival some of the strongest ever documented, according to NWS models. 'There is a 63% chance that we will experience a very intense El Niño episode between November and January, which could rank among the strongest recorded historically,' said Ariel Cohen, a meteorologist with the NWS in Los Angeles, during a press conference at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California. 'We are already seeing how those warm temperatures are aligning.' El Niño is a natural climate pattern that causes an increase in sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean. It is associated with higher average global temperatures, thus exacerbating warming caused by climate change. This phenomenon leads to a reduction in the number of hurricanes in the Atlantic and an increase in the Pacific. In the United States, the influence of El Niño is most evident during the winter, as it alters the usual flow of the jet stream, the band of air that encircles the Northern Hemisphere and determines weather patterns. Typically, this phenomenon shifts the jet stream southward. In the Pacific Northwest, this results in drier and warmer winter conditions, which is concerning this year as much of the region is already experiencing drought after moderate snowfall. In southern states, the trend usually brings unusually wet weather during winter, which could set the stage for flooding. El Niño can also cause intense marine heatwaves and disrupt marine life, leading to mass die-offs and attracting unusual tropical fish to coastal waters.
WeatherSmall Depth, Huge Risk: Why Six Inches of Water is Dangerous
In Texas, just six inches of fast-moving water can lead to vehicle loss of control, posing significant risks, especially for drivers of heavy trucks and SUVs. This is a primary reason for flood-related fatalities in the state. Heavy rains are most common from spring to fall, with hurricane season running from June 1 to November 30. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) urges drivers to stay informed about weather conditions, avoid flooded areas, reduce speed, and comply with road closures. Ignoring barricades can result in fines up to $2,000 and jail time. Staying home during severe weather is advised.
CommunityThe Wait is Over: The Grand Finale of La Casa de los Famosos Begins Live from Coast to Coast
There is no tomorrow. After months of intense controversies and unprecedented confrontations, the grand finale of the sixth season of La Casa de los Famosos is kicking off this Thursday with a spectacular live gala from coast to coast on Telemundo. Celinee Santos, Fabio Agostini, Josh Martínez, Luis Coronel, and Yoridan Martínez are the five residents of La Casa who have made it to the final after 115 days of continuous exposure. Only one of them will take home the coveted briefcase with $200,000. This time, there will be no prizes for second and third place. In addition to the title of champion of La Casa de los Famosos, which was previously won by Alicia Machado (2021), Ivonne Montero (2022), Madison Anderson (2023), Maripily Rivera (2024 in the All-Stars version), and Carlos Cruz 'Caramelo' (2025).
Public SafetyMan Accused of Recording Person Inside Bathroom in Harlingen
The police investigation reported that the incident occurred on May 11, around 9:20 a.m. in the 4700 block of South Expressway 77. According to the complainant, while inside a bathroom stall of a local business, he was allegedly recorded by a man. Upon realizing what was happening, he confronted the suspect, identified as 39-year-old Gregorio Ramírez Jr., a resident of Harlingen. Authorities noted that Ramírez fled the scene, and after reviewing the establishment's surveillance footage, they were able to obtain a description of the suspect and the vehicle he was driving. As part of the case, detectives confiscated the accused's cell phone for analysis as evidence, and a forensic examination of the device revealed numerous photographs of unidentified men taken inside public restrooms. Investigators are currently working to identify the individuals in those images and determine if there are additional victims. Ramírez appeared before a judge and was granted a bond of $7,500. Additionally, anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Harlingen Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division at (956) 216-5516.
NationalThe White House Transforms South Lawn into UFC Arena for Trump's Birthday
WASHINGTON — From a distance, it looks more like a UFO than a UFC event. It might be the kind of craft that would transport aliens to the White House to force a meeting with the U.S. leader. But up close, you can see the contours of the eight-sided cage, 30 feet in diameter, carefully designed like the iconic Octagon of the mixed martial arts league. A stop sign placed on one of its edges, with metal mesh sides and padded corners adorned with logos from various sponsors: Morgan & Morgan, Bud Light, Dodge Ram, Corona Extra, and Polymarket, identified as the world's largest prediction market. Above it towers The Claw, a four-sided structure rising over 90 feet in the air, featuring lights, speakers, thick cables, and four giant screens for fans not sitting right next to the Octagon to follow the fights below. Think more of a four-sided metal claw trying to grab stuffed animals in an arcade than the claws of a house cat; hence the extraterrestrial appearance. Surrounding all this are bleachers filled with gray folding chairs forming a temporary arena with a capacity for over 4,000 people for the seven UFC fights scheduled for Sunday to commemorate President Donald Trump's 80th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 'Very appealing to a lot of people' For those not fans of the UFC, all this might seem bewildering under any circumstances. But the temporary arena nearly completely covers the South Lawn of the White House, where Marine One usually lands to transport the president on trips out of town and where crowds of children run across the grass during the traditional Easter egg hunt each spring. More than $60 million and tens of thousands of hours of work have gone into building the arena, according to a court document filed by the National Park Service, which oversees the South Lawn and is contesting a lawsuit aimed at blocking the event. The White House claims the UFC is covering the costs, although the document notes that seven agencies — including the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Aviation Administration — have 'allocated significant resources and personnel.' Fighters, their entourages, and various support staff are expected to occupy the main entrance and part of the West Wing when they are not competing. However, they will enter the arena through curtained hallways leading to the Octagon. They, as well as attendees at Sunday’s show, will have prime views of the executive residence of the White House and its historic Truman Balcony on one side, and the Washington Monument rising in the distance on the other. All of this will be accentuated by rotating spotlights and perhaps even the sweat and blood shed by fighters as they battle each other. The tight pre-event schedule includes a press conference on Friday night at the Lincoln Memorial with UFC President Dana White and the fighters. There will also be a ceremonial weigh-in for the fighters on Saturday at the Ellipse, a park near the White House where organizers expect over 120,000 visitors to watch Sunday night’s fights on giant screens after obtaining free tickets through a lottery. Stunt athlete Travis Pastrana is also set to perform a backflip on an ATV over the White House lawn as part of the pre-show. Trump has described the Octagon and The Claw as something 'very appealing to a lot of people.' He has even suggested that the temporary structure could become permanent, like the Eiffel Tower, which he noted was originally built as part of the 1889 World's Fair and was never taken down. Only the president knows how serious that suggestion really is. The fights will go on rain or shine, despite the lack of coverage. Work on the arena began on May 20 and has continued for weeks. During a media tour on Thursday, construction noises could be heard, especially sanding and hammering. Large cranes were transporting materials overhead, although that was for the $400 million ballroom Trump is building nearby, not for the UFC event. The remaining grass around the arena, on the other sides of the White House, has been equipped with additional lighting. But the grass that normally grows between the White House and the start of the arena bleachers is gone; only dusty earth remains that will need to be reseeded when all this is over, unless the president really decides to leave the arena installed permanently. There is also a large Freedom 250 logo located between the White House and the arena. Nearby, workers removed yellow tables and umbrellas from Trump’s renovated Rose Garden and were pressure washing that area, as well as the colonnade leading to the Oval Office, in preparation for the fights. Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed a cooperation agreement with the UFC that will unite both parties to offer combat training, health and nutrition programs, as well as promote teamwork and leadership among youth worldwide. 'We are very polarized,' Rubio said. 'There are only a handful of things that bring people together in one place and at the same time, united by their interest in something. We need more of that.' Later on Thursday, teams began testing the sound system, generating a deep rumble — and sometimes unsettling bass notes — throughout the West Wing. During a subsequent event in the Oval Office, the music from the garden was loud enough for the 1970s hit 'Boys Are Back in Town' to play in the background while Trump spoke. Sunday’s event is set to start at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. As night falls, teams will illuminate The Claw with red, white, and blue colors, and the mass of lights will project images that will make it seem as if the entire structure is wrapped in a rotating pattern of stars and stripes. The weather forecast predicts hot and humid conditions, with a chance of thunderstorms. The bottom of The Claw tower has a top cover that should keep fighters reasonably dry in case of rain, and Trump is likely to watch the event from a protected and covered area. But everyone else will almost certainly get wet. White has promised that not even an intense thunderstorm — when The Claw could become a prime target for lightning — would stop the show. 'I don’t care if it snows,' White said.
PoliticsBuckingham Opens State Lands to USDA for Screwworm Fight
Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham has reached out to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and Governor Greg Abbott, offering access to state-managed lands to combat the New World Screwworm threat. With over 13 million acres under the General Land Office (GLO), Buckingham emphasized the importance of agriculture for Texas' economy and the need for a coordinated response. Currently, there are five active cases of the screwworm in Texas. The GLO is prepared to support USDA operations, including trapping infrastructure and monitoring sites, to protect livestock and wildlife populations in the state.
NationalTrump Administration Identifies 'Super Sponsors' of Migrant Children for Possible Prosecution
The Trump administration has identified over 15,000 adults who gained custody of unaccompanied immigrant children, potentially leading to prosecutions of prolific sponsors. The Justice Department highlighted cases against three Guatemalan citizens, emphasizing the risks of inadequate sponsor verification. Authorities are investigating many 'super-sponsors' who have taken custody of more than three unrelated children for possible fraudulent practices. While obtaining custody is not a crime, the scrutiny suggests concerns about their intentions. The Biden administration's approach aimed to reunite children quickly but faced issues, including children being placed with exploitative adults. Critics argue that the current verification process harms children.
WeatherHot, humid and a chance for rain this weekend
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Well, we started off this Thursday with a few spotty showers across the Valley, and this activity will continue into Friday. More rain is on the way as we head into the weekend, due to remnants of Cristina and a low-pressure system in the Bay of Campeche, which has very low
EducationHead Start and Vanguard Academy Launch New Partnership with June 17 Family Event
The Hidalgo County Head Start Program is excited to announce a new chapter for the 2026-2027 school year, including the renaming of its Camarena campus to Palmview Head Start Academy. This change reflects a commitment to excellence and innovation in early childhood education. In partnership with Vanguard Academy Charter School, the program aims to enhance educational opportunities for local families. A Meet & Greet event will be held on June 17 at 5:30 p.m. at Vanguard Monet Elementary School, where students will receive a free uniform shirt. This collaboration seeks to inspire a love of learning and prepare children for future success.
SportsSheinbaum Attends Fan Fest to Watch World Cup Kickoff Instead of Zócalo
Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum did not attend the Fan Fest at the Zócalo to watch the opening match of the 2026 World Cup with thousands of fans, opting instead for the Deportivo Los Galeana in the northern part of the capital. She arrived at the venue in Gustavo A. Madero accompanied by Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada. Dressed in a Mexican national team jersey with her name and the number 26 on the back, Sheinbaum was welcomed by hundreds of fans present. Although she initially intended to watch the match at the Zócalo, she had expressed doubts about her attendance due to anticipated protests in the area during the World Cup. Nearby, teachers from the National Coordinator of Education Workers had set up a protest camp, raising concerns that they might attempt to disrupt the Fan Fest in her presence. Ultimately, she went to a sports center located over 12 km from the Zócalo, one of eighteen venues equipped with screens to watch the match between Mexico and South Africa. Sheinbaum shared a video on her social media with the audience while watching the opening performance by Colombian singer Shakira on a screen. The president also gave her ticket for the first World Cup match to an indigenous girl, breaking a decades-long tradition where the host country's leader would attend the opening day of the sporting event. Mexico will be one of three host countries for the 2026 World Cup, alongside the United States and Canada. Mexico City will host the tournament's opening match at the Estadio Azteca, which will become the first stadium in the world to host three World Cup openings, following those in 1970 and 1986.